Helambu is situated in the northern part of the country; about 75-kms from Kathmandu and the area is inhabited by Sherpas. This trek offers with a diverse range of brilliant green valleys, misty rhododendron forests and distant horizons of snowy peaks, Helambu is the ideal for the short trek. There are simple teahouses along this route, yet the area remains relatively unspoiled by tourism. You will experience the Yolmo culture of high mountain villages and watch enthralled as the farmers toil in the fields using hand made tools and teams of water- buffalo. You can include Helambu in a Langtang trek, either via Gosainkunda or across the (5106m) Ganja- La. In winter, both of the high routes from Langtang are usually snow- covered.

This trek starts from Kathmandu after 1 hours drive to Sundarijal, which is just 13km from Kathmandu. We then continue ascend to Chisapani where we spend first night just outside valley. Chisapani offer great view of mountain and landscape. Helambu provides an instant Himalayan trek for those with limited time. This trek is an easy and enjoyable trip conducted at the average altitude of (3500m). The trek takes you through Tharepati to Tarkegyang, where a choice of trails opens up. However you go along the south ridge through Sermathang, down to the river at Melamchi Pul Bazzar, the site of a mega project to bring drinking water to Kathmandu via a series of tunnels. The trek concludes with a drive down to Kathmandu via Panchkhal, after a night's camp at Melamchi Pul.

DAY 01: Arrive in Kathmandu: Upon arrival at Tribhuwan international airport, welcomed by our representative and transfer to hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. A pre trip meeting and briefing will held all together with you at hotel about the daily program activities by company representative and your trip Leader/Guide where you can discuss your final questions all together.

DAY 02: Kathmandu Excursion: After breakfast the day will start with a guided tour of Kathmandu's historical and spiritual key attractions; including the historic Kathmndu Durbar Square, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambunath) and then finally visit to Patan Durbar square which is situated the heart of the city constitutes the focus of visitor's attraction. In the evening there will be pre-trip discussion where you can meet your group leader/guide then you can ask any questions you may have.

DAY 03: Kathmandu – Sundarijal - Chisapani: Drive from Kathmandu to the Sundarijal northern edge of the Kathmandu valley for about 1 hour by private transport, there is a small dam and a hydroelectricity station. The walk leads to a climb through wet, subtropical forest to an oak forest and on to Mulkharka, the sprawling Tamang settlement from where you can have a view of the entire Kathmandu valley. The trail again ascends through oak forest to a pass called Burlung Bhanjyang (2440m) then the route heads down the ridge through a forest of oak and rhododendron to Chisapani, for the overnight stop. Chisapani, offers fabulous panoramic views of the Jugal himal range including Langtang, Ganesh himal and as far towards Mt. Everest in the far east and Manaslu, Annapurna towards far west.

DAY 04: Chisapani - Gulbhanjyang: The trail continues to drop down on a good, sometimes level and crosses meadows and fields to Pati Bhanjyang. This is a Brahman and Chhetri village on a saddle at the bottom of the ridge at 1860 meter. From here the trail starts climbing up again on a series of steep switchbacks to Chipling (2170m) where we can stop for lunch. At the upper end of this village the trail makes another steep, 200 meter, climb on a stone staircase to the top of the Jhogin Danda ridge. From the ridge the trail descends through forest to a large Chorten overlooking the Tamang village of Gul Bhanjyang, which is a delightful, classic hill village with a pleasant main street.

DAY 05: Gulbhanyang - Tharepati: From Gul Bhanjyang the first part of the trail climbs up a steep, eroded trail through rhododendron forest passing only a few shepherds’ huts to a pass at 2580 meter. The treks proceeds north up the Yurin Danda ridge and affords views of Langtang and Gosaikund Peaks. We will cross the pass at 3510 meter before we descent to Magen Goth where we stop for lunch. After lunch we ascending/descending trail again, passing through forests, across flower-strewn meadows and crossing streams till we reach Tharepati (3640m)

DAY 06: Tharepati – Tarkegyang: The first part of the trail begins with downhill trail towards a narrow valley when dense rhododendron and oak forest starts. And, shortly after crossing a small suspension bridge the trail goes uphill for a while. And, then we will reach a culturally prosperous Sherpa village called Melamchi Village. We will have our lunch here then again start our trek to Tarkeghayang. From the Melamchi village, the trail goes down for a while and then we will meet a small suspension bridge again. After crossing the bridge the trail goes steep up for around 2 hours then we will reach Tarkeghyang which is the largest village in the Helambu region. The stone houses here are building close together with narrow alleyways separating them. The Gompa of this village has a large brass prayer wheel.

DAY 08: Tarkegyang – Sermathang: The trail leaves the village and makes a sweep around the wide valley to the pretty Sherpa village of Ganyul at 2520 meter. The people in this village practice Drukpa Kagyu Buddhism, the same as the national religion of Buthan. From here the trail drops over a ridge but soon starts climbing up again through deep forests, crossing a number of streams to a crest at 2620 meter. We continue our way passing the large Gompa at Chumnik, before another gentle climb leads as to the village of Sermathang. In the afternoon we can visit the Gompa here.

DAY 09: Sermathag – Melamchi Pul Bazzar: From Sermathang the trail follows the ridge all the way down to Malemchi Pul Bazaar, making a drop of 1730 meter. The trail passes Chorten after Chorten in the settlements of Nigale, Gyalsha and Raithani Gyang. From here we descent through chir pine forest to yet another chorten at Kakani, which is the last Sherpa village on the trek, and we now enter the lowlands inhabited by Brahmans and Chhetris. From Kakani the trail drops steeply to the attractive village of Dubhachaur in a saddle at 1610 meter. Continuing firther down the ridge our trail will eventually bring us to a large suspension bridge which crosses the Indrawati River and brings us into Malemchi Pul Bazaar.

DAY 10: Melamchi Bazzar – Kathmandu: After breakfast, drive to Kathmandu . Along the way you can enjoy with good scenery views. You'll be arriving at Kathmandu late afternoon then you have free time for shopping.

DAY 11: Leisure day in Kathmandu: This full day at leisure to rest, relax or explore the local area in Kathmandu or do a bit of last minute shopping. You also have the option of doing some sight-seeing. Evening will have farewell meeting & dinner at Nepali typical restaurant.

DAY 12: Departure day: After breakfast you will have some free time until the time to leave the international airport for your final departure.

Travel preparing information

Required Document for Traveller: Traveller must carry a valid travel document i.e. passport, visa, re-entry Permit etc. Nepal Adventure Point is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items and also will not be responsible for any liability due to travel document. Once programmed is booked clients are requested to send us the following details 3 weeks before you arrival to Kathmandu.

Immigration Requirements: It is your responsibility to arrange visas before you travel. Passport must be valid for at least six months after the end date of the trip. Visas are obtainable from Nepalese diplomatic missions and consular office abroad or on issued at the entry points. It can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. People willing to get entry visa at the airport or any of the land entry points are required to fill a visa form with two passport size photo. Please download form from the link below (visa form) and get ready while you are passing through the immigration Point.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is highly recommended who are joining any of our trips that you take out personal travellers insurance policy that must covers you for medical assistance, emergency helicopter rescue, cancellation, accidents, health, lost of items, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects. The insurance we require you to take out makes sure everyone is properly covered if such an event occurs.

Physical Requirements: This trek is a little bit difficult; it demands previous hiking experience in the hilly terrain with a light day pack. Fellow trekkers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience. Before the trip booking with us please consult with your Doctor.

Important Stuff: Trekking permits are required for this trek so we suggest you bring 4 passport-size photos with you. You should also make copies of passport & visa, one to bring with you and one to leave with family or friends. Keep these separate from your passport. Other things you should have copies of are insurance policy, birth and health certificate, a record of bank details and traveler’s cheque details. You should also have contact numbers of next to kin, Bank and insurance company and your travel agent/ flight booking office.

Trip Operation Details

Teahouse trek daily feature: Normally you will be woken at around 6:30 – 7:00AM with a cup up “Good Morning” tea brought to your room. Before breakfast you pack your gear into your kit bag which is then taken by the porters. Having had breakfast we usually on the trail between 7.00AM - 7.30AM. Following a good morning's few hours walking before lunch around 11.00 - 12.00 PM, at any of the tea houses or other lodges along the trail. We have an hour lunch break to allow for the trekker's. After lunch, our assistant guide will go ahead and reserve the lodge en-route for over night stop. The afternoon walk is generally a little shorter and we usually reached by around 3PM to 4PM. When you reached at the lodge, everything will be ready. Until dinner there is time to rest, explore the surrounding area and villages or sit and chat with the crew and local people. The dinner is usually served around 7:00 PM to 7:30PM. In the evening afford some of the best memories of your trek, whether it is talking, playing cards, chatting with the crew or joining in some singing and dancing with your trekking crews or with the local people, its always a special time till around 9PM then the time to sleep.

Teahouse/lodge trek: A teahouse is a locally run guesthouse. Teahouse treks can be done in popular area such as Annapurna, Everest and Langtang region, where teahouses are more like hotels, with hot water, western food, private rooms spare with twin beds. But in high altitude places, teahouses are more simple ones with just dormitories, clean toilets and dining rooms. Blankets are generally provided. Standards of teahouses may vary depending upon the area. These types of treks service are the most common choice in popular trekking regions of Nepal. In these teahouses, you will meet peoples from different corners of the world and can exchange experiences of your trip, trek, culture, and activities

Meals & Drinking water on a lodge trek: Similar to camping trek, in teahouse trek also the meals are prepared to a similar hygiene and may be repeated several times during the trek but are always hot, tasty and filling. With your breakfast, lunch and three-course dinner, tea will also be included. Your leader/guide will help with menu selection and ensure that you get the best standard of meals in best value possible. Although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, you should be aware that the menu is not normally extensive. Most of the teahouses offer a variety of rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. In general, a variety of cereals, bread and egg dishes are offered for breakfast. Plenty of snacks such as biscuits, chocolate and soft drinks, and locally grown fresh fruits are available in some places. You can bottle mineral water from local teahouse or you can also ask your guide to fill your water bottle with boiled water and treat with water purification pills.

On tea house trek you will be accompanied by a team of local crew whose aim is to make the trek as hassle-free and enjoyable as possible. The crew consists of a local leader (Sirdar) and a team of porters to carry all your gear. On average, there will be a ratio of one porter to every two group members. Sirdar speaks reasonable amount of English, good enough to explain you about the places, local culture or any sight that catches your eyes.

Trekking Team: Our trips are always accompanied by a senior Nepalese English speaking Leader/Guide minimum of 10 years of guiding experience. He or she will be experienced in group leadership and proverbial about the cultures and natural history you will encounter on your trek. Over the past 15 years as we have been doing Himalayan treks, we have developed a leadership capability among our Nepalese staffs that we believe exceeds the qualifications of leading international travel organizations.

Check List: Certain basic trekking equipment is essential for this trekking as we described in our trip note on depending the areas and season. Here is some recommended equipments list for trekking in Gosaikunda.

*Note: You can hire/buy sleeping bags, Gore-Tex jackets and trekking poles from Kathmandu trekking stores. Outdoor gear & clothing is very cheap to buy in Nepal and there is a tremendous selection on offer. Please let us know before you go if you wish to hire anything and we can arrange for you.

Tipping: Although tipping is not customary and is entirely optional, it is expected by people who will take care of you during your travels. Our Leader/Guide will pass round a collection for tips for the local operator team as a way of saying thanks you for a job well done. The amount is a purely personal decision but on average is around for tipping drivers and local guides would range from US$ 1-2 per person per sightseeing day depending on the quality and length of the service, for porters during the trekking portion of your trip, the recommended amount is US$ 3-5 per person per day; ask your tour leader/Guide for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your Nepal Adventures Point tour leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. Even though the amount to tip is entirely a personal preference; as a guideline US$ 5-7 per person, per day can be used.